Genetic variability in fruit-to-bean conversion efficiency among Coffea canephora genotypes

Coffea canephora plays a strategic role in global coffee production and is increasingly cultivated in non-traditional regions as climate change reshapes suitable growing areas. Understanding genotype performance in these new environments is essential for maintaining productivity and processing efficiency.

We evaluated 44 genotypes cultivated in eastern Minas Gerais, Brazil, a recently established production frontier. Traits assessed included the ratio of ripe fruit mass to dry bean mass (RFM/DBM), the ratio of ripe fruit volume to ripe fruit mass (RFV/RFM), grain and husk mass percentages, and average yield expressed in fruit volume and mass.

Significant genetic variability was detected, with moderate to high heritability (48-59%). Hierarchical clustering identified four groups with contrasting efficiency profiles, while mean comparisons revealed genotypes with reduced fruit biomass requirements, higher fruit density, and greater grain proportion. Bean mass percentage ranged from 48% to 61%, and average yield varied from 325.92 to 470.33 L per 60-kg bag and from 209.22 to 282.61 kg of ripe fruits per bag. Several genotypes showed superior conversion efficiency, including LMG 11, LMG 01, LMG 07, LMG 08, and Graudão HP, which combined low fruit-to-bean ratios with high grain mass proportions.

These results demonstrate exploitable genetic variability and provide reference parameters to support breeding, regional recommendations, and strategies to enhance processing efficiency in C. canephora systems.